Donor Recognition

Edith Abbott Leaders: $10,000 or more

Edith Abbott Leaders are the most generous benefactors to the School of Social Service Administration within a given year. Their gifts create lasting impact, honoring the extraordinary vision of Edith Abbott – the founder of the School, the first female dean of a university graduate school in the United States, and a pioneer of social work as a profession who said, “Only in a university, and only in a great university, could a school of social work get the educational facilities that advanced professional students must have if they were to become the efficient public servants of democracy.”

Sophonisba Breckinridge Fellows: $5,000 to $9,999

Sophonisba Breckinridge Fellows are recognized for their generous gifts that advance the School in an unmistakable way, epitomizing the transformative contributions of Sophonisba Breckinridge. As the first woman to earn a doctorate degree from the University in political science and economy, and the first woman to earn a doctorate of law from Chicago, Breckinridge reshaped social work education at the school and nationally, arguing for an emphasis on public responsibility over private largesse and rigorous, systematic training for practitioners.

Charlotte Towle Society: $2,500 to $4,999

The Charlotte Towle Society is named in honor of luminary professor Charlotte Towle who revolutionized social work by integrating the application of psychology throughout the casework curriculum, and who stood resolute in the face of a 1951 government banning of her book Common Human Needs, in which she offered advice on understanding the individual and the unique plights of those in need.

Dean's Circle: $1,000 to $2,499

The Dean’s Circle recognizes generous alumni and friends who make important gifts to the SSA Fund within a given year that benefit the School’s top priorities, including student financial aid and fellowships, teaching, and study abroad opportunities.

SSA Champion: $500 to $999

SSA Champions are alumni and friends who make gifts to the SSA Fund in a given year that demonstrate a clear and growing commitment to students, teaching, and the forward ambitions of the School.

SSA Advocate: $250 to $499

SSA Advocates are annual donors to the SSA Fund whose gifts represent their endorsement of the School as an institution of impact to social work and social justice.

SSA Sustainer: $100 to $249

We thank our SSA Sustainers whose gifts to the SSA Fund represent a vital ongoing source of support to students and the School’s continued progress.

SSA Supporter: Up to $99

SSA gratefully acknowledges the thoughtful support of alumni and friends to the SSA Fund.

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Alumni Spotlight

Working with award-winning faculty towards a full-time career supporting HIV positive adults

Bria Berger, AM '14

“It’s important to have transferable skills and to have a professional mentor. Working with [Assistant Professor] Alida Bouris has helped me both personally and professionally. She has encouraged me to mold my course schedule and placement to my interest and goals, to take risks, and she has helped me shape my vision of who I am in the social work world.”